A couple sad stories about loss, the Barry Bonds sideshow has begun, Mark McGwire cannot escape his past, and former Astro Tim Redding — unwanted in some corners of the world — could begin the season in the Dodgers rotation. …

Lance Berkman is getting ready to roll. How much is race a factor in Mets fans’ feelings about Luis Castillo? Is Alfonso Soriano poised for a bounce back year? Will Brian Sabean stall Brandon Belt’s progress to cover up a mistake? …